Countdown to caterpillars…

Today’s countdown-to-frost number is four — as in four swallowtail caterpillars, seen in my garden pal’s herb bed, snoozing (were they snoozing? they didn’t seem to be moving or eating just then) on the bronze fennel (me without my camera, o’course). Every year that she’s gardened, she says, she plants something for these caterpillars. Because she’s back to gardening after a long hiatus, this is the first time I’ve seen them. I was hoping they were a good caterpillar, and was guessing monarch but knew the timing was probably wrong for that.

Here’s a linkto pictures of swallowtails and more info about them. And here’s a link to the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster.

Which leads me to this week’s…. Dirt Date: The Butterfly house is opening its “Bug-a-pedia” Adventure series 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday (along with a Sidewalk Clearance Sale with up to 50 percent off!) The Bug-a-Pedia series explores insects’ influence on culture, religion and art; this Saturday’s theme is Egypt and the silkworm; more deets here.

You can also mark your calendar for the Butterfly Pavilion’s annual “Bug-a-Boo” event Oct. 25 and 26 — full of safe Halloween-type activities for kids..

Becky Hensley is the co-founder of Share Denver - a community craft space in Park Hill. She's also the proud Ninja-in Chief of the Denver Craft Ninjas -- a women’s crafting collective dedicated to keeping the DIY spirit alive through laughter, shared skills, and cocktails.

Colorado native Mark Montano is an international designer, artist, author and television personality. He has appeared on TLC’s “While You Were Out” and “10 Years Younger,” as well as “My Celebrity Home” on the Style Network, “She’s Moving In” on We TV, “The Tony Danza Show” on ABC, and “My Home 2.0” on Fox.